Building the future, one robot at a time
A group of Year 9 Technology students took part in 'Project X' yesterday, an engineering programme run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), after being selected by their teachers for demonstrating strong interest or achievement in the subject.
The project, which has been running for 15 years, gives students hands-on experience with electronics and programming. This year, students are building robots from printed circuit boards (PCBs) that will eventually light up and play a song.
"Students are learning how to identify electronic components, assemble circuits, avoid short circuits, understand polarity, troubleshoot problems, and carry out basic programming," says Teacher in Charge Ms Batley.
Students used a programming language called BASIC to compose a tune, entering notes, durations and timing instructions to create a melody.
The programme is delivered by volunteer tutors who are members of the IET and come from a range of engineering fields, including the Navy. Many are migrants from Britain who bring industry knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom, giving students insight into careers they might not otherwise encounter.
"It's such a great experience for them; we always need more engineers!" says Ms Batley. "When young people are encouraged, challenged and recognised for their abilities, they are more likely to develop confidence in those strengths and imagine futures they may never have considered."
Here's hoping the encouragement of being selected, mentored and guided to complete a functional product is the spark that one day opens the door to a fulfilling and much-needed career.
